Richard William McComb

SURPRISE - Richard William McComb of Surprise passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side. Dick was born in London, Ontario, Canada on December 9, 1934 After high school Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps when he was 17 and was sent to Korea during the war. Upon completion of his enlistment with the USMC, he enrolled in the University of Denver and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Dick was an entrepreneur and wore many hats along the way. He was a bar owner, rodeo clown, record producer, photographer, beauty pageant founder, constable, volunteer firefighter, newspaper reporter, realtor, and later in his life he was member of several corporate boards. He was always looking for his next adventure. Dick worked 16 years in newspaper writing and publishing as well as public relations. One of the most memorable stories he covered was the 1964 earthquake in Anchorage, Ala. In 1976 he found his true calling in city government when he was elected to serve as chairman of the board (mayor) of the Pueblo West, Colorado Metropolitan District. During his tenure Pueblo West was incorporated into a city. In 1982 Dick took his show on the road and was hired as city manager of Gila Bend, Ariz. He later served as the city manager for the cities of El Mirage, Coolidge, and Surprise. He was city manager of Surprise from 1990 to 2000 and was an integral part of the city's growth and development. On May 25, 2016 the City of Surprise recognized Dick for his hard work and dedication to the city. Dick met the love of his life, Darla, in Commerce City, Colo. where she was a dispatcher for an ambulance company he owned. They were married on November 21, 1964. Dick is survived by his four children, Edwinda McComb, Rodney McComb, Dottie Winningham, and Betty Thomas; as well as 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in the Kachina Ballroom at Sun Village, 17300 N. Sun Village Parkway Surprise, AZ 85374 at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 23.